I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll see you in court!” FAMU’s Essential Theatre welcomes Little Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf to campus in the play titled “The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf.”
In the adaptation of the two beloved fairytales, the Big Bad Wolf is on trial for his alleged crimes against fairytale humanity. Little Red Riding Hood claims that the defendant, Big Bad Wolf, assaulted and impersonated her “dear old” grandmother.
“He tried to make a meal out of us at the home of the injured Hood family matriarch,” said Little Red. “I was just taking food to my sick grandmother. What is this world coming to?”
In response to Red’s accusations, the Wolf files a counter claim for “pain, suffering and a free meal.”
The Three Little Pigs join Little Red’s fight for justice. They sue the allegedly heartless hooligan for damages to their property, $500 and personal anguish.
“This production marks the premiere of the play,” said Director Hector Machado, a senior theater student from Miami. “Everyone involved has put in hard work to make this show happen.”
Pre-production on the show began in September, and continued into the spring semester. The process involved the creation of an original script, development of a directorial concept and the designing of the set and costumes – all produced by theater students.
“As students, we wanted to display our artistic ability and produce something from our hearts,” said co-writer Yonel Aris, a theater education student from Miami. “We wanted this show to be universal,” she said.
This courtroom comedy features a wide array of characters and references from both storybook and pop culture. Characters such as Johnny Cockroach, March Harry Madhatter, Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs all appear in the play.
“This play is truly for all ages to enjoy,” Machado said.
“It’s like no other, everything is huge!” said Jason James, a technical theater student from Lake City and the technical director for the show. “Building a 17-foot tree and moving houses…it has been fun turning fantasy into reality.”
People can see how this wildly entertaining adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs unfolds April 8 – 10 at the Charles Winter Wood Theatre. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults; $12 for senior citizens; $7 for students/ children; and free for FAMU students with a valid ID.
For more information, call 561-2425.
Contact Alana Hill at thefamuanlifestyles@hotmail.com